Warning: Risk of Thyroid C-Cell Tumors

Important Safety Information for Semaglutide (Wegovy®).

In studies with mice and rats, Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy® and Ozempic®, has been shown to cause thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. While it is not yet confirmed if Wegovy® (Semaglutide) causes these tumors in humans, it's important to be vigilant. Inform your healthcare provider if you notice a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath, as these could be symptoms of thyroid cancer.

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Who Should Not Use Wegovy® (Semaglutide)?

Do not use Wegovy® (Semaglutide) if you or any of your family members have had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have an endocrine condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

FDA-Approved Use of Wegovy®

(Semaglutide)

Wegovy® (Semaglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist used for chronic weight management, combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, for individuals with an initial body mass index (BMI) of:

  • 30 kg/m² or greater (obesity)

  • 27 kg/m² or greater (overweight) with at least one weight-related comorbid condition, such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or dyslipidemia.

Limitations of Use

Do not use Wegovy® in combination with other Semaglutide-containing products or any other GLP-1 receptor agonists.

The safety and efficacy of using Wegovy® with other weight loss products have not been established.

Wegovy® has not been studied in patients with a history of pancreatitis.

How to Use Wegovy® (Semaglutide):

Wegovy® is administered via a pre-filled injector pen as a subcutaneous injection in the stomach, thigh, or upper arm once a week on the same day each week. You can take it with or without food. Your provider will guide you on a treatment regimen that may include dose adjustments every four weeks. Do not change your dosing regimen or stop taking Wegovy® without consulting your provider.

What to Tell Your Provider Before Using Wegovy® (Semaglutide):

Inform your provider about all the medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. This is crucial because Wegovy® can interact with other medications, including those for type 1 or type 2 diabetes (such as insulin or sulfonylureas) and other GLP-1 medications.

Potential Side Effects to Monitor:

While using Wegovy®, monitor for serious side effects, particularly during the initial treatment phase and with dose changes. These include:

  • Thyroid C-Cell Tumors: Watch for symptoms like a lump or swelling in the neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath.

  • Pancreatitis: Be alert for severe abdominal pain that does not go away, possibly radiating to the back.

  • Gallbladder Problems: Symptoms such as pain in the upper stomach, jaundice, fever, or clay-colored stools should be reported immediately.

  • Hypoglycemia: Monitor your blood sugar levels, especially if you have type 2 diabetes.

  • Kidney Problems: Ensure adequate hydration to prevent dehydration.

  • Allergic Reactions: Seek immediate help for symptoms like swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, severe rash, rapid heartbeat, breathing difficulties, or dizziness.

  • Diabetic Retinopathy: Report any changes in vision.

  • Increased Heart Rate: Report any unusual changes in heart rate.

  • Mental Health Changes: Be vigilant for any sudden changes in mood or behavior, especially suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

Common Side Effects

  • Nausea

  • Diarrhea

  • Vomiting

  • Constipation

  • Abdominal pain

  • Headache

  • Fatigue

  • Dyspepsia

  • Dizziness

  • Abdominal distension

  • Eructation

  • Hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes

  • Flatulence

  • Gastroenteritis

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:

  • Wegovy® should not be used during pregnancy as it may pose risks to the unborn baby.

  • Discontinue Wegovy® at least 2 months before planning a pregnancy.

  • Inform your provider if you are breastfeeding as Wegovy® has been found in the milk of lactating rats.

Pregnancy Registry:

Pregnant women exposed to Wegovy® and their healthcare providers are encouraged to contact Novo Nordisk at 1-800-727-6500 to monitor pregnancy outcomes.

If you experience a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention. For further details, consult the full Prescribing Information for comprehensive safety information.

Contact Information:

  • Novo Nordisk Inc.: 1-833-934-6891

  • FDA MedWatch: 1-800-FDA-1088 or visit fda.gov/medwatch

Disclaimer

Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and Saxenda® are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk. Zepbound® and Mounjaro® are registered trademarks of Eli Lilly. Byetta® and Bydureon® are registered trademarks of Amylin Pharmaceuticals. Affordahealth Pain Relief & Wellness has no affiliation with Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly, or Amylin Pharmaceuticals. The compounded products available as part of Affordahealth Pain Relief & Wellness’s Weight Loss Program are not made by Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly, or Amylin Pharmaceuticals or any affiliated companies.